For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains,
Jonathan and Hazel had arrived early, before the rest of the MLE and the whole of the Harpies would descend upon the brightly lit pier. He'd scouted the location the day prior, making sure he knew the exits from the popular tourist site, knew all the nooks and crannies that someone could hide in.
He'd contacted the ownership of the pier even, to alert them of what would be transpiring, prepare them for the onslaught of possible fans of the girls. They were ecstatic that such a high profile team would be gracing them, giving them publicity inadvertently. It had been spun by Jonathan as a good thing, and through that he'd gained the eyes and ears of the security that would already be on the premises. It was a boon to have the cooperation, and the senior Auror would need all the help he could get.
The pier was huge, and it was highly unlikely that Gwen's girls would say clumped together, easy to keep an eye on. There were too many things to do, too many rides, too many games. They'd split off in little groups, and he'd need extra eyes.
This was exactly why he'd owled Bishop. The man had been a Hit Wizard for twenty years, as he'd made sure Jonathan was aware. He had experience. Jonathan knew he'd keep his eyes open where Gwen was involved, make sure she was safe. This meant he could spend more time focusing on Fabriana, the person who was more likely to be at risk.
It wasn't an easy thing for Jonathan to do, but he would need more than the pier staff and a handful of trainees watching the girls.
"We'll have people posted at every exit," he said to Hazel as they made their way down the boardwalk, "three pier staff along with an Auror or a trainee like yourself. Besides that, we'll have several pier staff walking around, all of them with a snap of Jennings. They know his face. This doesn't really mean anything-"
"-because he could be polyjuiced or disguised," Hazel finished for him, nodding her head. "We're going to hang back and let the girls enjoy the day, but still make sure it's safe."
The fact that his trainee referred to them as 'girls' made the corner of his mouth turn up. Most of them were older than her, and even the ones that weren't were probably older than Hazel in other ways. "Exactly. They've worked hard to get where they are, even with the threat of Jennings looming over their shoulders. This is a day for them to just revel in their win and brush off the stress."
Hazel put a hand up to shield her eyes from the setting sun. "Sir, are we hoping that Jennings strikes here today?"
Jonathan looked over at her, struck a bit by her question. He considered it carefully as their path led closer to the bright white building. "We never hope that someone could be hurt. Jennings has already shown that he's capable of harm, not only to Ms. Resiyat, but others who stand in his way.
That being said, in a way, we are in some sort of control of this situation. There's only one exit from this pier, beyond an escape by sea, and we'll have that covered. The owners of the pier have made it very clear that apparation in and out of the park is impossible. Which means if he is going to make a move today, we'll be here to see it, and hopefully stop it."
"And catch him."
He grinned at Hazel as he pulled open the doors. "Yeah. That too."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jonathan's gaze flicked from face to face before he nodded. "Alright," he started, taking a step forward. "Our goal here today is to protect the women of the team from harm, specifically from this man," he said, holding up a picture of Jennings, one that had already been given to everyone so they'd recognize him.
The group in front of him was mixed, both muggle and MLE. He'd talk with everyone as a whole before he specifically told his colleagues what the real plan was. It was great that the pier had supplied them with extra eyes, but if push came to shove, he knew it was the MLE who would need to move in on the wizard.
"Just keep your eyes on them, make sure they're having fun. Most of them don't know we're there, so don't draw unneeded attention to yourself. Clear?"
He saw the carnival workers nod and begin to scatter. Stepping closer to the Aurors and Trainees, he lowered his voice. "Jennings in dangerous and his main target is Fabriana Resiyat, but have no delusions; he will hurt whoever he needs to that gets in his way. We want him captured and put away for good. If he shows his face today, we get him, bind him, and haul his arse to the holding cells in the Ministry. Hopefully this is only a resting place before somewhere much smaller and more uncomfortable. Questions?"
Euan shook his head in unison with the rest of those gathered as his mind whirred. They weren't going undercover exactly, as they were practically anonymous in the large crowd of the Pier, but he was in the unique position of having to watch and observe his friend without acknowledging her. He couldn't help but feel a little bit wrong at the situation. Of course, the wise person would go out of his way to avoid a familiar face, but Euan wasn't that wise.
Of course, that wasn't to say he didn't want Jennings caught, even if he wasn't the one to do it. He had seen the type of fear he instilled in the Harpy Chaser. Nobody should have to live in that kind of fear.
"Try and remember that we're in mixed company. If you see Jennings, whipping out your wand and hexing him, while satisfying, would possible cause problems later. Don't let this stop you from getting the bastard if you see him, though."
He knew everyone could see what was on the line. Jonathan wasn't a fool. The people in the MLE were smart, they were loyal, and they knew what they had to do in pressing situations. It was why they were there, why they were still in the training program.
"They should be here soon. Everyone fan out."
Moving with the crush of other MLE employees, Euan headed towards one of the numerous food stands. Perhaps if he had something to eat it wouldn't look so odd for him to be seen wandering seemingly aimlessly. Moments later he was popping a few kernels of popcorn into his mouth as he kept his eyes and ears open.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After handing the proper amount of tender to the cashier, Gwen followed her team into Brighton Park. She’d never been to this carnival before, but she had wanted to take the girls somewhere fun, one last team activity to touch base before they all scattered for the summer.
She was proud that they’d won the League Championship, but Gwen would have treated them regardless. The reason the Harpies were successful was because of the relationships and chemistry. Talent was requisite of everyone who made any team in the league, but Gwen ran an all women’s team; how well the relationships were nurtured was equally as important as the day to day hard work the girls put in on the pitch.
Even though they weren’t having practice, tossing the Quaffle, batting at the Bludgers or trying to catch the Snitch, this outing was doing just as much for their game as any of it. This would be the last time the girls spent time together, and Gwen wanted them ready and excited to see and be with each other at the end of August.
There was the ever-present threat of Thomas Jennings, but she’d done the best she could to make sure hers were safe.
She could feel the eyes on them. Aurors, and hopefully only Aurors. The girls didn’t know members of the MLE were in the crowd, and she didn’t want them to.
Trailing behind them into the park, watching them laugh and just relax, it was the very last thing Gwen wanted for them to worry about Jennings, or Aurors, or anything else but enjoying their win and each other.
Feeling Regan’s light presence at her side as they fully entered into the crowd, Gwen glanced over, small smile touching her lips as she offered her arm for the younger woman to link. “Have you ever been to a carnival then?”
Shaking her head as she twined herself about Gwen's arm, tensing slightly as people pressed in around them for a moment, Regan answered, "I've not seen anything like it, actually. It... well, I've not really been anywhere without Trist, and I don't think he'd have come here willingly."
Her eyes darted to the lights and bursts of color and motion around them, never lingering in one place for very long before being drawn off by something new. "It's pretty, though... in a loud sort of way."
"Yes, something like that," Gwen agreed, eyes scanning the crowd, keeping half an eye on the girls as they laughed and roamed not much further ahead of them, and half an eye on the people milling about, anyone looking their way too long. "I admit that it's been a fair long while since I've been to a carnival myself. Joscelin and Bishop took me when I was still in school for the first time, but I believe the last I went to one was with Bishop some years ago."
She could feel the slight tensing in Regan, though she was decidedly less jumpy than when she'd first come to her home, and for that Gwen was incredibly thankful and glad. Bending her head, she brushed a kiss to the blond head slightly below hers before casting her gaze about the people around them again.
Regan watched Gwen catalogue the people around them, her keen eyes taking in everything, every movement, every break in the crowd, and though she hummed happily at the kiss she'd been given, the heightened awareness made her more wary of the throng ebbing like waves.
She tugged lightly at the hand clasped in her own, solemn eyes meeting the dark ones that dropped to meet her request for attention. Her voice pitched low, just between them, as she was quite aware of the girls of Gwen's team ranged ahead of them, she ventured, "Do you think he's...?" Her gaze flicked over the pier, indicating the rest of her question.
"I can't honestly say, though I prepared for such an event," Gwen relayed to Regan, voice just as low, eyes flicking to the girls ahead of them and then back to her companion. She'd not told her team about the Aurors because it would make them too aware and they'd not have any fun, but it would put Regan at ease to know. "There's a plethora of Aurors and members from the MLE about, just in case. I met with Jonathan last week to be sure everyone was kept as safe as possible. There shouldn't be any problems," she assured the blond.
Acknowledging the information with a nod, Regan squeezed Gwen's fingers, grateful to be let to know the situation. It wasn't exactly calming, but at least she understood now the feeling of eyes on her skin, and would not be leaping in alarm every few seconds just on principle. "All right, and... thank you. I'll not say anything."
She dismissed the subset of thoughts as much as she was able, letting her outward focus wander back to the sights, smells, sounds in the vicinity. "What is that?" she wanted to know, pointing at a giant round construct, rotating rather slowly in the distance, bordered with little umbrella-d baskets.
Following Regan's gaze, a smile touched Gwen's lips as she glanced back towards the blond. "It's a Ferris wheel. One just sits in the basket while it slowly turns in a circle. It's a rather tame ride, and mostly just for seeing the sights off in the distance which are probably decidedly lovely from here."
It was a ride Bishop had foregone the last they'd come because Salazar forbid she actually like something he took her on - not that she'd have admitted to liking most all the Muggle rides he'd forced on her - but she had gone with Joscelin when she was young. "Would you like to go?"
"Unless you mind?" Regan asked hopefully, though she knew Gwen would go if she wanted to, regardless. "I'm not usually fond of heights, but it looks like it would be a very nice view."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rose had been in search of a glass of iced lemonade when a mass of messy, familiar hair caught her eye. Eyebrows furrowing, she detoured, quick feet moving nimbly around a group of people as she sought who she thought she'd seen.
"Euan?" Her grin blossomed when he turned to look at her, slightly confused by the look of sheepishness on his face. "What are you doing here?"
His eyes widened as they settled on her brightly colored hair. "Uh....uh." Euan's hand came up to run through his hair, messing it up even more. "I'm workin'," he told her. "I'm supposed t' keep ya safe."
She blinked green eyes at him. "From the carnies?"
"Yes?" His voice actually squeaked. He scowled the thought. That didn't sound very menacing.
Rose cocked her head to the side and looked at him for a minute before a hand found her hip, her leg jutting out. "What are you really doing here, Euan Abercrombie? If you're here for me to introduce you to the girls, I could have done it easier. You could have just asked.
"I'm na here t' meet girls," he snapped. "I'm here t' do my job. Ya all just won th' Championship. D'ya really think ya could go out all together without attracting some notice? We want ya safe."
Pink lips pursed, Rose narrowed her eyes slowly, a curious glint in the green gaze. "Who is we?"
"Th' other Aurors. D'ya really think I was here alone?" He shook his head. "I shouldna be talkin' t' ya and ya shouldna be talkin' t' me. Go have fun. Play th' games and ride th' rides."
She had the distinct feeling she was missing something here. Casting a look around, she didn't see anyone else that seemed to watching them. "There are other Aurors here? Are you all hiding? Why?" Realization took over her face, and she looked back at him, her mouth forming an 'O'.
Another hand went through his hair. "Yes, there are more about. And I told ya why we're about. Just enjoy yerself today. Ya can badger me later. I promise."
"So, you can't ride the carousel with me?" she asked, lower lip jutting out a bit. "Maybe we can come back here later, then? I can get you dinner, badger you, and we can ride the rides?"
"I thought ya dinna like horses?" he asked with a small smile. "I suppose I can go on th' carousel, but I dinna know if we can be right next t' one another. People might get suspicious." Euan considered the fact that she was already planning their next outing and shrugged it off. They'd come to it when they'd come to it.
Rose grinned, eyes bright. "So we can ride incognito? Sounds fun. I'll head that way, you follow in a few seconds?" Not waiting for his answer, she turned, hands clasped behind her back as she maneuvered her way through the crowd and towards the spinning Merry-Go-Round.
Saluting his friend as she made her way over to the ride, Euan began to follow, making sure he kept his distance. He'd never ask Rose to lie for him, but he could always claim that he didn't know that she knew he was there. He'd leave her in the highly capable hands of one of his colleagues, after the ride, of course.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Capt'n."
"Shouldn't you be keeping your other half in line before she pitches herself off the Ferris wheel," Gwen said to the slightly shorter woman next to her.
Mina grinned. "Shouldn't you be afraid I'd pitch myself right after to save her from herself?"
Chuckling, Gwen nodded as she turned her gaze from the crowd to the Chaser next to her. "There is that," she acknowledged, dark eyes bright. "Is there anything you need, Mina?"
"Just thought I'd say hello while Fab pitches herself off the Ferris wheel," Mina replied, small smile twitch her lips. "I figure between the two of us, we could still do a proper rescue from here."
"The surety in your voice that she will do as we both have suggested leads me to believe she is actually doing as we say," Gwen replied, ghost of a smile still dancing at her lips as she shaded her eyes to look towards the Ferris wheel. Fabriana was, indeed, in line for the ride, along with the the team's two Beaters.
"Well, in all actuality, I figured BEATER ONE and BEATER TWO could keep her in line. She's tall, but I think they both outweigh her by a good margin," Mina said, good humor warming her tones. She was glad Gwen had brought them here. She'd been playing for the team for four years, and while it was seemingly uncharacteristic for her captain to do something like this, Mina had always found that Gwen did whatever she thought good for all of them, not just things to her own taste.
It was one of the reasons she liked playing for her, another being that Mina kind of hoped to be her someday. She was not noble born or pure, and would never be the international star that Gwen was, but if she could even touch the poise, grace and control her captain showed in all kinds of situations that Mina had seen her in over the years, she'd be happy.
"Yes, you're quite right," Gwen chuckled, a small smile curling her lips then. She pulled her gaze from her regular scan of the crowd back to Mina. "And have you seen our Rose? She's rather enamored of Fabriana and her ideas of fun."
"She is," Mina nodded, smile touching her lips and eyes to have pulled such from Gwen. "Fab likes her, and so do I. She was a good addition to the team this year. She is signed on for next season?"
It wasn't something Gwen talked of with the players, usually, but should anything ever happen to her to pull her from the game for good, Gwen was cultivating Mina to take her place. If she was to share such matters with anyone, it would be the level-headed Chaser. "We only had a contract for this last season, but seeing as she fit rather fabulously with you and Fab, the paperwork has already been put in to renew her contract for another two years. Do you find that agreeable?"
"Yes, very much so," Mina replied, gaze tracking through the crowd until she found the brightly colored hair she was looking for. "Though don't tell her that. It might go to her head," she added, lips twitching.
Suppressing her chuckle, Gwen nodded and followed the Chaser's gaze through the crowd. "I shall try to contain myself."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Catching yet a third exchange of smiles and winks between Rose and a friendly-looking fellow who'd been trailing them most of the afternoon, sure after a curious glance to Gwen that he was indeed one of their planned 'invisible escorts', Regan cleared her throat politely as he drifted past her, curious as to his connection to her friend. She'd taken up station with her back to one of the ride kiosks, more comfortable with its solid surface behind her as Gwen chatted with one of her players not too far away, and while the sights were still entertainingly perplexing, a small diversion would not go amiss.
"She's not mentioned having a beau," she baited, one corner of her mouth quirking as his stride pulled up short, "Though I suppose you might be a terribly youthfully-countenanced member of our guard."
"Huh?" Euan looked down at the petite blonde that stood not a meter away. "I mean," his Grams' words came back to haunt him, "pardon?"
"You spend a great deal of time watching Rose," Regan simplified, amused by the correction in address. "I was only wondering whether it was out of duty, or something else."
"Rose is just a friend," he assured her, vaguely annoyed that everyone thought there was something more between the Quidditch player and himself. "But also out of duty, but I guess I wasna doin' a very good job if ya noticed." A small blush appeared over his cheeks. "I should probably get someone else at this post." He had said much the same after the carousel, but look at how well that had turned out.
Exactly.
A thought crossed his mind. "Ya dinna look like a member of th' team. Are ya one of Rose's other friends?"
Regan nodded, clarifying, "Recent, but yes, I suppose we are classified as friends, now. My connection here is Gwen, actually, and through such, I've spent a great deal of time at the Stadium of late."
She smiled tentatively, intrigued by his accent and the easy way he spoke. "Tha' would be how I met Rose; quite on accident."
His smile was broad and readily returned. "I bumped into her in th' park. Knocked her onto her arse, quite by accident," he assured her, "I suppose I dinna hurt her pride tha' much as she owled me later once she got on th' team."
Wincing just slightly at the fellow's word choice, knowing that Rose used such language and most of her agemates found it quite acceptable, Regan offered a shrug. "Friendships have been formed from odder meetings, I'm sure."
Regarding him silently for a moment, Regan prompted, "You've not exactly answered my original question, by the way. Are you here in an official capacity, and just singularly better-preserved than your colleagues?"
"I suppose I dinna, huh?" Euan shrugged, running a hand through his hair. It looked as if she already knew why the Aurors were skulking about. So maybe he wasn't quite as obvious as he originally thought. She was already looking out for eyes that lingered a bit too long. Though, he supposed, it was better to be on his toes anyhow. "I'm here with th' Aurors. I was on th' original case. Auror Savage was kind enough t' invite me t' participate today."
Her face gaining a decidedly pinched look, just briefly, at the mention of Savage's name, Regan smiled tightly, commenting, "How very generous of him." She'd not seen the man in question and counted it a part of her good fortune for the day.
"I must apologize, then, for doubting your years, Mr. ...?" she trailed off pointedly, having no idea what the young man's name might be.
"Abercrombie. Euan Abercrombie," he ducked his head. "And who might I have th' pleasure of talkin' to?"
Guessing that her most recent associate would not appreciate the formality of a proper introduction, Regan refrained, volunteering a trace of smile along with, "I am Regan Bole. Glad to have made your acquaintance, Mr. Abercrombie."
"It's nice t' meet ya, Ms. Bole," he gave her an encouraging smile. "I suppose I should get back t' my job, but I hope ya enjoy yerself today." Pushing off from his spot against the railing, Euan ambled down the ramp and disappeared into the crowd.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Having taken several turns on the carousel, and another few spins in the cups with Fabriana, Rose was more than ready to do something that didn't involve rotating in a circle. Any more of that and she'd be ill for the rest of the day.
Grinning, she approached Regan from behind, pulling lightly on a bit of her friend's hair to gain her attention. "Having fun, or trying not to?"
Regan squeaked in alarm, clapping a hand over her heart and whirling to face Rose. "Trying not perish of fright, more like!" she exclaimed, poking her tongue out at the little Chaser.
"I have had fun," she countered. "Gwen and I rode the Ferris Wheel, and that fast thing on the track that slides you all about. Oh, and I met the Auror fellow who follows you around looking like Teddy when he's begging for a biscuit. He has a very intriguing accent."
Rose's lips turned up with her smile and nod. "Euan is very... I'd call him a doll, but I think he might take offense to it. Either way, he's a good guy. And yes, his accent is rather fun. I sound so silly when I try to talk to him. Though, apparently I collect people who don't talk like I do," she said, a glint in her eye as she looked over at Regan.
"Mm, I suppose there would be very little fun in only associating with those exactly like yourself." Smiling, she reach out to run her fingers through Rose's hair, adding, "Though, somehow, I don't think there is anyone else quite like you."
"If there is, I fear for the world at large." Grinning at the familiar touch from the blond, she was momentarily distracted when a man carrying a tray full of colorful fluffs passed behind Regan. "Ooooh!"
Brow creasing momentarily, Regan realized Rose was looking behind her and turned, her face lighting as she saw what had distracted her friend. "Oh, how pretty! What are they?" she asked, unfamiliar with most of what she'd seen so far at the pier.
"I don't know," Rose said, eyebrows furrowed as she saw someone approach the man, hand him a few coins, and then begin to tear pieces from the fluff and then eat it. "It looks like... food?" Rose had never been to a carnival before, nothing like this in any case, so the sights and sounds were all still new to her.
Watching the vendor appraisingly for another few seconds, Regan looked to Rose, then back to the fluff. "It reminds me of your hair, only blue instead of orange. I think we have to try it," she concluded. "I have money that Gwen and I changed on the way here. Pink or blue?"
"You're going to make me choose?" Rose whined, looking at the choices with wide eyes. "Pink? No! Blue! Definitely blue!" Wrapping a hand around Regan's, she pulled the blonde in the direction of the confection, bounding up to the man with enough energy that his eyes widened in response. "How much?" she asked, grinning.
Regan giggled, letting Rose drag her over to the man and his tray. "I'll get the pink, then," she decided, doing quick calculation in her head and handing over the correct bills in Muggle currency. They accepted a cone of the brightly-colored substance each, and Regan poked at hers with a fingertip as they stepped out of the stream of people. "It's sticky," she observed.
"It looks like it's really thin thread, almost," Rose said, her nose centimeters from the thing as she examined it. Her green gaze turned to Regan as she tore off a small piece. "Same time?" At the blonde's nod, Rose stuck the small bit of fluff on her tongue and closed her mouth.
She didn't have to consider chewing, as the treat seemed to melt on her tongue. Eyes widened at the new taste, she grinned at Regan brightly. "This is most definitely not good for you! It's too tasty!"
Laughing, Regan shook her head, equally amused by the sensation of eating the sweet mass. "I'm almost certain that it's made purely of sugar, so no, I doubt that it's healthy. It does taste nice, though. Are the colors different flavors?" She reached out to swipe a puff of blue from Rose's cone, offering her own pink in trade.
Her face thoughtful as she tasted, letting the blue fluff dissolve on her tongue as well, she eventually shrugged. "I can't tell. I think they're the same, though, or close."
Nodding, Rose finished the bit of pink she'd taken from Regan. "Either way, they're good tasting."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Gwen had half an eye on Regan and Rose as they played with the cotton candy they’d discovered, but when she turned back to where Mina and Fabriana had been with the two Beaters on their team, she didn’t see the tall, energetic brunette.
It was an odd enough occurrence that Fabriana wasn’t with Mina, but the other Chaser didn’t seem perturbed. If Mina wasn’t concerned, then Fabriana was likely fine at the moment, and instead of moving towards the small group of players to check in, she cast her gaze about the crowd again, brown eyes cataloging Regan and Rose before she moved on, still looking for the tall brunette.
A scream.
There were a lot of screams; people on the rides, the roller coasters, or just exclaiming their excitement and pleasure.
This was different, but even as Gwen’s focus narrowed, the sound came again. It was a scared noise, desperate, and yet no one seemed to notice.
Perhaps it was that Gwen was waiting for such an occurrence even though she’d been hoping such didn’t happen, or perhaps it was just that she was so very attuned to the girls on her team and in her care, but she knew with certainty that it was Fabriana.
It was difficult to tell where it had come from, and Gwen’s sharp brown gaze scanned the crowd as she turned slowly in a circle, ears straining for the sound, hoping it would come again. Make it difficult for him Fabriana. Let me know where you are.
As if her willing of such seemed to reach her player, there was another scream, and though it blended with all the noise around her, pitched not much differently than the screams coming from the ride behind her, Gwen turned sharply to her left and began winding her way through the crowd toward the center of the pier where the most booths and buildings were. She hated to leave Regan alone, but she was with Rose and Gwen knew that there were Aurors watching them. They would be safe.
And the real and present danger was in front of her, not behind.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
He'd noticed the second the tension had entered Gwen's shoulders, when she'd looked up, hearing a sound that he couldn't due to his vicinity to the spinning cups and the enthusiastic patrons riding in them.
When she took her first step, he took his, eyes instantly searching for the body they'd been on not a few minutes prior. Jonathan spotted the dark-haired chaser the leggy brunette had been spending most of the day with, but did not spot Fabriana. He could see Gwen's steps quicken. He was fifty feet back at least, several seconds behind her.
The fact that Jennings had been able to move in so quickly without anyone knowing was what he'd been afraid of. Too many people pressed in together, still not enough eyes despite their planning ahead. He'd possibly cast disillusionment charms on his person, confundus charms on the girls Fabriana had been with so they didn't notice their missing friend.
Knowing it didn't matter now, he moved quicker, pushing his way through the crowd of people as he moved towards the interior part of the pier, near the buildings and the shadows they offered.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Euan hadn't heard the scream and he hadn't seen Gwen move, but he had seen Jonathan. He made a move in the same direction as the senior auror before he paused. He knew not only was Savage watching the Harpy seeker, but Hitwizard Rascaile was as well. Surely they had it covered. He would only get in the way.
Besides, his eyes flicked in the opposite direction, where Rose and her friend Regan Bole stood. MLE staff had not only been charged with taking Jennings into custody, but to protect members of the team as well. He would stay where he was until it was clear he was needed elsewhere.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Gwen moved deliberately through the crowd, eyes darting everywhere. Her hand ached to have her wand in it, but there were Muggles about, and her fingers curled into a fist to hold off the want of focused magic at her fingertips.
She could see people moving deliberately through the crowd after her in the corners of her vision, but they were unimportant. It was likely Jonathan, or another Auror, but they were following her, meaning they hadn’t heard Fabriana, just seen her own reaction to the sound.
They were dismissed, focus back towards the task of finding her girl and the damn bastard of a man who’d made both their lives hell.
It was only a yelp this time, angry words after, but Gwen’s head snapped to the right and she weaved through the crowd in the direction she’d heard her girl’s voice.
There. It was just the flash of brown hair, the end of a ponytail disappearing around a corner to the back of two carnival tents, but Gwen knew with certainty that it was Fabriana and she increased her pace to a light jog as she weaved through the people, heeled boots making a light click against the pavement as she moved.
She was very aware of her wand hidden away, but it was not a tool she could use, not here. There were too many eyes, too many Muggles. What she would do when she came upon them was still nebulous in her mind …
Until she turned the corner to see Thomas Jennings manhandling Fabriana into the darkness provided by the small alley the two tents made. They were just enough out of the way that people hadn’t noticed yet as they walked by several meters away, but Gwen’s focus narrowed to Fabriana, the angry, scared look in her eyes as she struggled.
Slowing to a long stride, Gwen called out, “Mr. Jennings, I suggest you unhand her.”
It was all that was needed. He raised his head at his name, eyes narrowing at Gwen. Fabriana struggled again, and he quickly turned back to her, shaking her violently and tossing her to the ground in the dark space between the tents before turning back to Gwen.
But it was too late.
In the few seconds he’d taken his eyes off Gwen, she’d closed the distance between them.
Except for the fact that she had to suppress her first instinct to draw her wand and fling every nasty, illegal hex she knew at the man, Gwen did not think overly about what she did next.
Joscelin had insisted she know this once upon a time, and she had practiced quite thoroughly on Bishop when she was young, but as she swung her fist at him when he turned around, the only thing running through her mind was the heated anger at this man who thought to hurt that which she considered hers, who had thought to hurt her.
Her fist connected with a satisfying crunch, and Gwen felt cartilage give way in his nose, the swing taken with the whole of her body just as she’d been taught. Someone her size would only get one shot and she’d learned to make it count.
Gwen stumbled with the follow through, but so did he.
“FUCK!”
She’d got him thoroughly then, she thought, though she ignored him for only a split second, gaze tracking to where Fabriana had been thrown. “Get out of here, Fabriana. Go!”
The tall brunette hesitated, but didn’t need to be told twice and moved quickly around Jennings who only belatedly realized that he was losing his quarry and reached, fingers finding only air.
His eyes turned to Gwen then, blazingly angry, the look made thrice as horrifying for the blood spurting from his nose and all over his face. “This is the last time, bitch.” he said, starting towards her.
Jonathan gave himself a second to make sure Fabriana passed him, knowing it was the ultimate goal of the day and that Gwen would want it done first. He verified that another Auror had wrapped an arm around her shoulder and was leading her to safety before turning back to Gwen and Jennings, just in time to see the larger man stalk towards Gwen.
Gwen, who was slightly hunched, holding her right hand in pain.
He didn't stop to think that they were in the middle of a mostly muggle carnival, that there were several hundred people who could possibly witness the use of magic. It didn't matter. Jonathan knew that he could be bested in hand to hand combat, as it had never been his strongest suit. Wand work, defensive or offensive, was always his best weapon.
"Avis," he said, dozens of birds flying out of the end of his wand seconds later. It wouldn't draw a crowd and was relatively quiet.
He watched the fowl wing their way past Gwen, flocking and flapping around Jennings head as the man began to bat his arms. Jonathan moved up until he was even with Gwen, not risking a glance to make sure she was alright.
The birds dispersed, flying innocently and inconspicuously into the air. Jennings was left with scratches adding crimson to his already bloody face. Wand trained on the man's chest, arm held straight and steady, Jonathan looked at Jennings with cold eyes. "You're surrounded, Jennings. Kneel on the ground and put your hands on your head."
Gwen felt Jonathan move by here more than saw him. For a brief moment she allowed herself to appreciate his presence, the breath it let her release, but then she pushed it away.
All her focus was on Jennings, the snarling look of hatred directed at her as he took in the Auror's commands.
Despite the pain in her hand, Gwen let it go and straightened, face impassive as she met his gaze.
She tipped her chin up just barely.
He made towards her again, but even as he moved, Jennings felt the sharp press of wood at his chest and his gaze shifted to the Auror standing before him, eyes deader than the woman who'd gotten in his way again.
His gaze flicked past the man, past the Seeker and to Fabriana being bustled away and through the crowd. Scowling as she disappeared from view, he glared at Gwen again, the look promising what he'd been after the first he'd attacked her before shifting his gaze to Jonathan, right next to her, as he lowered himself to his knees and put his hands on his head as his nose streamed blood down his face and clothes.
Gwen felt others move around them, saw them in her peripheral vision, but she kept her dark eyes steady on Jennings, forcing the throb of her hand out of her mind.
Silvery ties flowed from the end of Jonathan's wand and towards Jennings. The man's hands were none-too-gently jerked behind his body before they were secured. There was no need to report to the MLE that they had a capture arriving, as Mrs. Potts had been immediately alerted the second the binding had tightened down around Jennings' wrists. He added a vocal binding so the man could draw no more eyes to their situation, though also because the Auror had no desire what so ever to hear the words 'I'll be back' or 'you can't hold me forever' in Gwen's direction.
Jonathan could feel the man's gaze boring into the woman at his side, and a look to his left revealed the Harpies' seeker returning the attention with a defiant, tip-lipped stare. Jennings' glare was heavy and the Auror wanted nothing more than to fire a hex to wipe it off the man's face.
Knowing it would be inappropriate, but almost satisfying enough to overlook protocol, he chose to do the next best thing to make it painfully clear to the man that he had lost. Jonathan moved until he was facing Gwen, blocking not only her view of the fugitive, but his view of her. He knew the man behind him was simmering with uncontrolled rage, could practically hear his teeth grinding with hisinability to vocalize his anger.
"Abercrombie! Feel free to escort our prisoner to the holding cells. They're already alerted that you'll be arriving shortly."
Euan's gaze snapped from Jennings towards the auror's face. "Of course, Auror Savage," he murmured as he moved forward. He looked around for the portkey. Because of the wards in place to keep Jennings from apparating away, they had planned ahead to have a portkey waiting. It was sitting back at one of the game booths, an unactivated snitch as to not be conspicuous. "I'll see you back at the Ministry." Nodding to the senior auror, he took custody of the prisoner.
Nodding at the trainee, Jonathan watched Abercrombie lead Jennings in between two tents, hiding them from the view of the general public. His eyes flicked down to the small golden ball that Euan held in his hand, the portkey waiting to take Jennings to be incarcerated, this time for good. Jonathan had been unable to give one last dig at the man. The thing that made Gwen's livelihood would be the thing sending Jennings to a life behind bars. She was captain and he'd attempted to hurt one of her girls. Now, something from her game would be ending his.
Secure that Abercrombie would see the job done, he turned his full attention back to Gwen, brown gaze softening almost imperceptibly. "We have enough evidence to put him away for good this time. He won't be getting out again." He knew her hand was injured, she'd been holding it in pain, but he also knew she would want to make sure what was needed to be done was finished before she tended her herself. It was who she was, something he'd come to understand about her.
It was over.
It registered rather far away though, as did the ache in her hand. The man in front of her, focus intent on her and drawing her own, pushed everything else into the background, if only for a few moments.
She couldn’t really afford more than a few moments; Gwen wanted to be sure that Fabriana was alright, and to assure Regan’s safety as well as all the other girls she’d brought to the park. There would be meetings and paperwork to fill out, time spent at the MLE to make sure everything was in order and that bureaucracy wasn’t a reason why Jennings would find a loophole.
But just for small bit of time, she let herself meet Jonathan’s gaze and take in that it was over, that everyone was safe, that Jennings could not get Fabriana, or any of the other girls, that he could not get her again. Jonathan had been there like he’d said he would be, and Jennings was in custody.
“Thank you, Jonathan,” she murmured, the sound carrying only to him in the small space between them.
Nodding, the movement slow, his eyes never leaving hers, Jonathan knew that would be the end of whatever time she'd allow herself before the duties they had before them were over. There were statements to take, memories to bottle, a man to levy a case against. It was already weighty, but this would put the unbreakable spell on his cell door.
"We should gather your girls, get them to the Ministry. Some of them could have seen something. Some of them might have had been jinxed not to. We'll get everything figured out, let them know they don't have to look over their shoulders anymore."
Jonathan knew it wouldn't matter for Gwen. She'd always be prepared for something else to harm her girls, but he knew her well enough that knowing her girls were safe would be a relief.
Whatever bubble of time had surrounded while they processed what had happened, burst as Jonathan spoke, willing them both into the actions that needed doing. It was exactly where Gwen was heading herself, and she acknowledged his words with a quick nod of her head. “I must collect Regan and see to her safety, and she was last with Rose, but Mina and a few of the others were standing in line for the coaster last I saw them. They were entirely unaware that Fabriana was not with them, so it is highly likely they were, in fact, jinxed,” Gwen affirmed, what little expression she’d allowed into her features leaving as anger touched her that Jennings had touched anyone else on her team, especially with magic.
It did not escape her that Jonathan had included her in the administering of the next phase of his endeavors, and it brought a slew of thoughts, all pushed away except the one that was pleased he was not barring her from being part of this, but instead speaking as if it was both of theirs.
Nodding, knowing the weight on Gwen's shoulders would be there until all her girls were seen home and safe, Jonathan began moving, pausing so she could fall in step beside him. "Then let's gather everyone and see them away as swiftly as possible. No doubt your canine is needing his evening walk. We wouldn't want him to mess on those marble floors, would we?"
It was light talk, considering the events that had transpired minutes prior, but he was feeling lighter, knowing that this case would come to a crashing close. Jennings was behind bars, and Gwen's girls were safe. Another time he would think on why it was a bigger reprieve personally, knowing that the Harpy at his side would be able to sleep better, but currently he had a not inconsiderable amount of paperwork before him. Like so many other thoughts that concerned Gwen, they would be pushed aside to focus on the task at hand.
Glancing over briefly at Jonathan as they were about to move back into the crowd, Gwen's gaze flicked over his profile. He was trying to make this easier, normal. It would never be so, but the barest corner of her mouth curled despite. He was trying and despite herself, despite what had happened - despite everything - she found him endearing in that moment. "The little beast knows better than to test my patience, most especially on the marble floors."
SUMMARY: Gwen takes the Harpies to Brighton Pier to celebrate their status as League Champions. Rose and Regan discover the joys of cotton candy while Euan, Savage and a slew of other Aurors watch over them all. Their vigilance is rewarded when the stalker, Jennings, is caught.
He'd contacted the ownership of the pier even, to alert them of what would be transpiring, prepare them for the onslaught of possible fans of the girls. They were ecstatic that such a high profile team would be gracing them, giving them publicity inadvertently. It had been spun by Jonathan as a good thing, and through that he'd gained the eyes and ears of the security that would already be on the premises. It was a boon to have the cooperation, and the senior Auror would need all the help he could get.
The pier was huge, and it was highly unlikely that Gwen's girls would say clumped together, easy to keep an eye on. There were too many things to do, too many rides, too many games. They'd split off in little groups, and he'd need extra eyes.
This was exactly why he'd owled Bishop. The man had been a Hit Wizard for twenty years, as he'd made sure Jonathan was aware. He had experience. Jonathan knew he'd keep his eyes open where Gwen was involved, make sure she was safe. This meant he could spend more time focusing on Fabriana, the person who was more likely to be at risk.
It wasn't an easy thing for Jonathan to do, but he would need more than the pier staff and a handful of trainees watching the girls.
"We'll have people posted at every exit," he said to Hazel as they made their way down the boardwalk, "three pier staff along with an Auror or a trainee like yourself. Besides that, we'll have several pier staff walking around, all of them with a snap of Jennings. They know his face. This doesn't really mean anything-"
"-because he could be polyjuiced or disguised," Hazel finished for him, nodding her head. "We're going to hang back and let the girls enjoy the day, but still make sure it's safe."
The fact that his trainee referred to them as 'girls' made the corner of his mouth turn up. Most of them were older than her, and even the ones that weren't were probably older than Hazel in other ways. "Exactly. They've worked hard to get where they are, even with the threat of Jennings looming over their shoulders. This is a day for them to just revel in their win and brush off the stress."
Hazel put a hand up to shield her eyes from the setting sun. "Sir, are we hoping that Jennings strikes here today?"
Jonathan looked over at her, struck a bit by her question. He considered it carefully as their path led closer to the bright white building. "We never hope that someone could be hurt. Jennings has already shown that he's capable of harm, not only to Ms. Resiyat, but others who stand in his way.
That being said, in a way, we are in some sort of control of this situation. There's only one exit from this pier, beyond an escape by sea, and we'll have that covered. The owners of the pier have made it very clear that apparation in and out of the park is impossible. Which means if he is going to make a move today, we'll be here to see it, and hopefully stop it."
"And catch him."
He grinned at Hazel as he pulled open the doors. "Yeah. That too."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jonathan's gaze flicked from face to face before he nodded. "Alright," he started, taking a step forward. "Our goal here today is to protect the women of the team from harm, specifically from this man," he said, holding up a picture of Jennings, one that had already been given to everyone so they'd recognize him.
The group in front of him was mixed, both muggle and MLE. He'd talk with everyone as a whole before he specifically told his colleagues what the real plan was. It was great that the pier had supplied them with extra eyes, but if push came to shove, he knew it was the MLE who would need to move in on the wizard.
"Just keep your eyes on them, make sure they're having fun. Most of them don't know we're there, so don't draw unneeded attention to yourself. Clear?"
He saw the carnival workers nod and begin to scatter. Stepping closer to the Aurors and Trainees, he lowered his voice. "Jennings in dangerous and his main target is Fabriana Resiyat, but have no delusions; he will hurt whoever he needs to that gets in his way. We want him captured and put away for good. If he shows his face today, we get him, bind him, and haul his arse to the holding cells in the Ministry. Hopefully this is only a resting place before somewhere much smaller and more uncomfortable. Questions?"
Euan shook his head in unison with the rest of those gathered as his mind whirred. They weren't going undercover exactly, as they were practically anonymous in the large crowd of the Pier, but he was in the unique position of having to watch and observe his friend without acknowledging her. He couldn't help but feel a little bit wrong at the situation. Of course, the wise person would go out of his way to avoid a familiar face, but Euan wasn't that wise.
Of course, that wasn't to say he didn't want Jennings caught, even if he wasn't the one to do it. He had seen the type of fear he instilled in the Harpy Chaser. Nobody should have to live in that kind of fear.
"Try and remember that we're in mixed company. If you see Jennings, whipping out your wand and hexing him, while satisfying, would possible cause problems later. Don't let this stop you from getting the bastard if you see him, though."
He knew everyone could see what was on the line. Jonathan wasn't a fool. The people in the MLE were smart, they were loyal, and they knew what they had to do in pressing situations. It was why they were there, why they were still in the training program.
"They should be here soon. Everyone fan out."
Moving with the crush of other MLE employees, Euan headed towards one of the numerous food stands. Perhaps if he had something to eat it wouldn't look so odd for him to be seen wandering seemingly aimlessly. Moments later he was popping a few kernels of popcorn into his mouth as he kept his eyes and ears open.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After handing the proper amount of tender to the cashier, Gwen followed her team into Brighton Park. She’d never been to this carnival before, but she had wanted to take the girls somewhere fun, one last team activity to touch base before they all scattered for the summer.
She was proud that they’d won the League Championship, but Gwen would have treated them regardless. The reason the Harpies were successful was because of the relationships and chemistry. Talent was requisite of everyone who made any team in the league, but Gwen ran an all women’s team; how well the relationships were nurtured was equally as important as the day to day hard work the girls put in on the pitch.
Even though they weren’t having practice, tossing the Quaffle, batting at the Bludgers or trying to catch the Snitch, this outing was doing just as much for their game as any of it. This would be the last time the girls spent time together, and Gwen wanted them ready and excited to see and be with each other at the end of August.
There was the ever-present threat of Thomas Jennings, but she’d done the best she could to make sure hers were safe.
She could feel the eyes on them. Aurors, and hopefully only Aurors. The girls didn’t know members of the MLE were in the crowd, and she didn’t want them to.
Trailing behind them into the park, watching them laugh and just relax, it was the very last thing Gwen wanted for them to worry about Jennings, or Aurors, or anything else but enjoying their win and each other.
Feeling Regan’s light presence at her side as they fully entered into the crowd, Gwen glanced over, small smile touching her lips as she offered her arm for the younger woman to link. “Have you ever been to a carnival then?”
Shaking her head as she twined herself about Gwen's arm, tensing slightly as people pressed in around them for a moment, Regan answered, "I've not seen anything like it, actually. It... well, I've not really been anywhere without Trist, and I don't think he'd have come here willingly."
Her eyes darted to the lights and bursts of color and motion around them, never lingering in one place for very long before being drawn off by something new. "It's pretty, though... in a loud sort of way."
"Yes, something like that," Gwen agreed, eyes scanning the crowd, keeping half an eye on the girls as they laughed and roamed not much further ahead of them, and half an eye on the people milling about, anyone looking their way too long. "I admit that it's been a fair long while since I've been to a carnival myself. Joscelin and Bishop took me when I was still in school for the first time, but I believe the last I went to one was with Bishop some years ago."
She could feel the slight tensing in Regan, though she was decidedly less jumpy than when she'd first come to her home, and for that Gwen was incredibly thankful and glad. Bending her head, she brushed a kiss to the blond head slightly below hers before casting her gaze about the people around them again.
Regan watched Gwen catalogue the people around them, her keen eyes taking in everything, every movement, every break in the crowd, and though she hummed happily at the kiss she'd been given, the heightened awareness made her more wary of the throng ebbing like waves.
She tugged lightly at the hand clasped in her own, solemn eyes meeting the dark ones that dropped to meet her request for attention. Her voice pitched low, just between them, as she was quite aware of the girls of Gwen's team ranged ahead of them, she ventured, "Do you think he's...?" Her gaze flicked over the pier, indicating the rest of her question.
"I can't honestly say, though I prepared for such an event," Gwen relayed to Regan, voice just as low, eyes flicking to the girls ahead of them and then back to her companion. She'd not told her team about the Aurors because it would make them too aware and they'd not have any fun, but it would put Regan at ease to know. "There's a plethora of Aurors and members from the MLE about, just in case. I met with Jonathan last week to be sure everyone was kept as safe as possible. There shouldn't be any problems," she assured the blond.
Acknowledging the information with a nod, Regan squeezed Gwen's fingers, grateful to be let to know the situation. It wasn't exactly calming, but at least she understood now the feeling of eyes on her skin, and would not be leaping in alarm every few seconds just on principle. "All right, and... thank you. I'll not say anything."
She dismissed the subset of thoughts as much as she was able, letting her outward focus wander back to the sights, smells, sounds in the vicinity. "What is that?" she wanted to know, pointing at a giant round construct, rotating rather slowly in the distance, bordered with little umbrella-d baskets.
Following Regan's gaze, a smile touched Gwen's lips as she glanced back towards the blond. "It's a Ferris wheel. One just sits in the basket while it slowly turns in a circle. It's a rather tame ride, and mostly just for seeing the sights off in the distance which are probably decidedly lovely from here."
It was a ride Bishop had foregone the last they'd come because Salazar forbid she actually like something he took her on - not that she'd have admitted to liking most all the Muggle rides he'd forced on her - but she had gone with Joscelin when she was young. "Would you like to go?"
"Unless you mind?" Regan asked hopefully, though she knew Gwen would go if she wanted to, regardless. "I'm not usually fond of heights, but it looks like it would be a very nice view."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rose had been in search of a glass of iced lemonade when a mass of messy, familiar hair caught her eye. Eyebrows furrowing, she detoured, quick feet moving nimbly around a group of people as she sought who she thought she'd seen.
"Euan?" Her grin blossomed when he turned to look at her, slightly confused by the look of sheepishness on his face. "What are you doing here?"
His eyes widened as they settled on her brightly colored hair. "Uh....uh." Euan's hand came up to run through his hair, messing it up even more. "I'm workin'," he told her. "I'm supposed t' keep ya safe."
She blinked green eyes at him. "From the carnies?"
"Yes?" His voice actually squeaked. He scowled the thought. That didn't sound very menacing.
Rose cocked her head to the side and looked at him for a minute before a hand found her hip, her leg jutting out. "What are you really doing here, Euan Abercrombie? If you're here for me to introduce you to the girls, I could have done it easier. You could have just asked.
"I'm na here t' meet girls," he snapped. "I'm here t' do my job. Ya all just won th' Championship. D'ya really think ya could go out all together without attracting some notice? We want ya safe."
Pink lips pursed, Rose narrowed her eyes slowly, a curious glint in the green gaze. "Who is we?"
"Th' other Aurors. D'ya really think I was here alone?" He shook his head. "I shouldna be talkin' t' ya and ya shouldna be talkin' t' me. Go have fun. Play th' games and ride th' rides."
She had the distinct feeling she was missing something here. Casting a look around, she didn't see anyone else that seemed to watching them. "There are other Aurors here? Are you all hiding? Why?" Realization took over her face, and she looked back at him, her mouth forming an 'O'.
Another hand went through his hair. "Yes, there are more about. And I told ya why we're about. Just enjoy yerself today. Ya can badger me later. I promise."
"So, you can't ride the carousel with me?" she asked, lower lip jutting out a bit. "Maybe we can come back here later, then? I can get you dinner, badger you, and we can ride the rides?"
"I thought ya dinna like horses?" he asked with a small smile. "I suppose I can go on th' carousel, but I dinna know if we can be right next t' one another. People might get suspicious." Euan considered the fact that she was already planning their next outing and shrugged it off. They'd come to it when they'd come to it.
Rose grinned, eyes bright. "So we can ride incognito? Sounds fun. I'll head that way, you follow in a few seconds?" Not waiting for his answer, she turned, hands clasped behind her back as she maneuvered her way through the crowd and towards the spinning Merry-Go-Round.
Saluting his friend as she made her way over to the ride, Euan began to follow, making sure he kept his distance. He'd never ask Rose to lie for him, but he could always claim that he didn't know that she knew he was there. He'd leave her in the highly capable hands of one of his colleagues, after the ride, of course.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Capt'n."
"Shouldn't you be keeping your other half in line before she pitches herself off the Ferris wheel," Gwen said to the slightly shorter woman next to her.
Mina grinned. "Shouldn't you be afraid I'd pitch myself right after to save her from herself?"
Chuckling, Gwen nodded as she turned her gaze from the crowd to the Chaser next to her. "There is that," she acknowledged, dark eyes bright. "Is there anything you need, Mina?"
"Just thought I'd say hello while Fab pitches herself off the Ferris wheel," Mina replied, small smile twitch her lips. "I figure between the two of us, we could still do a proper rescue from here."
"The surety in your voice that she will do as we both have suggested leads me to believe she is actually doing as we say," Gwen replied, ghost of a smile still dancing at her lips as she shaded her eyes to look towards the Ferris wheel. Fabriana was, indeed, in line for the ride, along with the the team's two Beaters.
"Well, in all actuality, I figured BEATER ONE and BEATER TWO could keep her in line. She's tall, but I think they both outweigh her by a good margin," Mina said, good humor warming her tones. She was glad Gwen had brought them here. She'd been playing for the team for four years, and while it was seemingly uncharacteristic for her captain to do something like this, Mina had always found that Gwen did whatever she thought good for all of them, not just things to her own taste.
It was one of the reasons she liked playing for her, another being that Mina kind of hoped to be her someday. She was not noble born or pure, and would never be the international star that Gwen was, but if she could even touch the poise, grace and control her captain showed in all kinds of situations that Mina had seen her in over the years, she'd be happy.
"Yes, you're quite right," Gwen chuckled, a small smile curling her lips then. She pulled her gaze from her regular scan of the crowd back to Mina. "And have you seen our Rose? She's rather enamored of Fabriana and her ideas of fun."
"She is," Mina nodded, smile touching her lips and eyes to have pulled such from Gwen. "Fab likes her, and so do I. She was a good addition to the team this year. She is signed on for next season?"
It wasn't something Gwen talked of with the players, usually, but should anything ever happen to her to pull her from the game for good, Gwen was cultivating Mina to take her place. If she was to share such matters with anyone, it would be the level-headed Chaser. "We only had a contract for this last season, but seeing as she fit rather fabulously with you and Fab, the paperwork has already been put in to renew her contract for another two years. Do you find that agreeable?"
"Yes, very much so," Mina replied, gaze tracking through the crowd until she found the brightly colored hair she was looking for. "Though don't tell her that. It might go to her head," she added, lips twitching.
Suppressing her chuckle, Gwen nodded and followed the Chaser's gaze through the crowd. "I shall try to contain myself."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Catching yet a third exchange of smiles and winks between Rose and a friendly-looking fellow who'd been trailing them most of the afternoon, sure after a curious glance to Gwen that he was indeed one of their planned 'invisible escorts', Regan cleared her throat politely as he drifted past her, curious as to his connection to her friend. She'd taken up station with her back to one of the ride kiosks, more comfortable with its solid surface behind her as Gwen chatted with one of her players not too far away, and while the sights were still entertainingly perplexing, a small diversion would not go amiss.
"She's not mentioned having a beau," she baited, one corner of her mouth quirking as his stride pulled up short, "Though I suppose you might be a terribly youthfully-countenanced member of our guard."
"Huh?" Euan looked down at the petite blonde that stood not a meter away. "I mean," his Grams' words came back to haunt him, "pardon?"
"You spend a great deal of time watching Rose," Regan simplified, amused by the correction in address. "I was only wondering whether it was out of duty, or something else."
"Rose is just a friend," he assured her, vaguely annoyed that everyone thought there was something more between the Quidditch player and himself. "But also out of duty, but I guess I wasna doin' a very good job if ya noticed." A small blush appeared over his cheeks. "I should probably get someone else at this post." He had said much the same after the carousel, but look at how well that had turned out.
Exactly.
A thought crossed his mind. "Ya dinna look like a member of th' team. Are ya one of Rose's other friends?"
Regan nodded, clarifying, "Recent, but yes, I suppose we are classified as friends, now. My connection here is Gwen, actually, and through such, I've spent a great deal of time at the Stadium of late."
She smiled tentatively, intrigued by his accent and the easy way he spoke. "Tha' would be how I met Rose; quite on accident."
His smile was broad and readily returned. "I bumped into her in th' park. Knocked her onto her arse, quite by accident," he assured her, "I suppose I dinna hurt her pride tha' much as she owled me later once she got on th' team."
Wincing just slightly at the fellow's word choice, knowing that Rose used such language and most of her agemates found it quite acceptable, Regan offered a shrug. "Friendships have been formed from odder meetings, I'm sure."
Regarding him silently for a moment, Regan prompted, "You've not exactly answered my original question, by the way. Are you here in an official capacity, and just singularly better-preserved than your colleagues?"
"I suppose I dinna, huh?" Euan shrugged, running a hand through his hair. It looked as if she already knew why the Aurors were skulking about. So maybe he wasn't quite as obvious as he originally thought. She was already looking out for eyes that lingered a bit too long. Though, he supposed, it was better to be on his toes anyhow. "I'm here with th' Aurors. I was on th' original case. Auror Savage was kind enough t' invite me t' participate today."
Her face gaining a decidedly pinched look, just briefly, at the mention of Savage's name, Regan smiled tightly, commenting, "How very generous of him." She'd not seen the man in question and counted it a part of her good fortune for the day.
"I must apologize, then, for doubting your years, Mr. ...?" she trailed off pointedly, having no idea what the young man's name might be.
"Abercrombie. Euan Abercrombie," he ducked his head. "And who might I have th' pleasure of talkin' to?"
Guessing that her most recent associate would not appreciate the formality of a proper introduction, Regan refrained, volunteering a trace of smile along with, "I am Regan Bole. Glad to have made your acquaintance, Mr. Abercrombie."
"It's nice t' meet ya, Ms. Bole," he gave her an encouraging smile. "I suppose I should get back t' my job, but I hope ya enjoy yerself today." Pushing off from his spot against the railing, Euan ambled down the ramp and disappeared into the crowd.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Having taken several turns on the carousel, and another few spins in the cups with Fabriana, Rose was more than ready to do something that didn't involve rotating in a circle. Any more of that and she'd be ill for the rest of the day.
Grinning, she approached Regan from behind, pulling lightly on a bit of her friend's hair to gain her attention. "Having fun, or trying not to?"
Regan squeaked in alarm, clapping a hand over her heart and whirling to face Rose. "Trying not perish of fright, more like!" she exclaimed, poking her tongue out at the little Chaser.
"I have had fun," she countered. "Gwen and I rode the Ferris Wheel, and that fast thing on the track that slides you all about. Oh, and I met the Auror fellow who follows you around looking like Teddy when he's begging for a biscuit. He has a very intriguing accent."
Rose's lips turned up with her smile and nod. "Euan is very... I'd call him a doll, but I think he might take offense to it. Either way, he's a good guy. And yes, his accent is rather fun. I sound so silly when I try to talk to him. Though, apparently I collect people who don't talk like I do," she said, a glint in her eye as she looked over at Regan.
"Mm, I suppose there would be very little fun in only associating with those exactly like yourself." Smiling, she reach out to run her fingers through Rose's hair, adding, "Though, somehow, I don't think there is anyone else quite like you."
"If there is, I fear for the world at large." Grinning at the familiar touch from the blond, she was momentarily distracted when a man carrying a tray full of colorful fluffs passed behind Regan. "Ooooh!"
Brow creasing momentarily, Regan realized Rose was looking behind her and turned, her face lighting as she saw what had distracted her friend. "Oh, how pretty! What are they?" she asked, unfamiliar with most of what she'd seen so far at the pier.
"I don't know," Rose said, eyebrows furrowed as she saw someone approach the man, hand him a few coins, and then begin to tear pieces from the fluff and then eat it. "It looks like... food?" Rose had never been to a carnival before, nothing like this in any case, so the sights and sounds were all still new to her.
Watching the vendor appraisingly for another few seconds, Regan looked to Rose, then back to the fluff. "It reminds me of your hair, only blue instead of orange. I think we have to try it," she concluded. "I have money that Gwen and I changed on the way here. Pink or blue?"
"You're going to make me choose?" Rose whined, looking at the choices with wide eyes. "Pink? No! Blue! Definitely blue!" Wrapping a hand around Regan's, she pulled the blonde in the direction of the confection, bounding up to the man with enough energy that his eyes widened in response. "How much?" she asked, grinning.
Regan giggled, letting Rose drag her over to the man and his tray. "I'll get the pink, then," she decided, doing quick calculation in her head and handing over the correct bills in Muggle currency. They accepted a cone of the brightly-colored substance each, and Regan poked at hers with a fingertip as they stepped out of the stream of people. "It's sticky," she observed.
"It looks like it's really thin thread, almost," Rose said, her nose centimeters from the thing as she examined it. Her green gaze turned to Regan as she tore off a small piece. "Same time?" At the blonde's nod, Rose stuck the small bit of fluff on her tongue and closed her mouth.
She didn't have to consider chewing, as the treat seemed to melt on her tongue. Eyes widened at the new taste, she grinned at Regan brightly. "This is most definitely not good for you! It's too tasty!"
Laughing, Regan shook her head, equally amused by the sensation of eating the sweet mass. "I'm almost certain that it's made purely of sugar, so no, I doubt that it's healthy. It does taste nice, though. Are the colors different flavors?" She reached out to swipe a puff of blue from Rose's cone, offering her own pink in trade.
Her face thoughtful as she tasted, letting the blue fluff dissolve on her tongue as well, she eventually shrugged. "I can't tell. I think they're the same, though, or close."
Nodding, Rose finished the bit of pink she'd taken from Regan. "Either way, they're good tasting."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Gwen had half an eye on Regan and Rose as they played with the cotton candy they’d discovered, but when she turned back to where Mina and Fabriana had been with the two Beaters on their team, she didn’t see the tall, energetic brunette.
It was an odd enough occurrence that Fabriana wasn’t with Mina, but the other Chaser didn’t seem perturbed. If Mina wasn’t concerned, then Fabriana was likely fine at the moment, and instead of moving towards the small group of players to check in, she cast her gaze about the crowd again, brown eyes cataloging Regan and Rose before she moved on, still looking for the tall brunette.
A scream.
There were a lot of screams; people on the rides, the roller coasters, or just exclaiming their excitement and pleasure.
This was different, but even as Gwen’s focus narrowed, the sound came again. It was a scared noise, desperate, and yet no one seemed to notice.
Perhaps it was that Gwen was waiting for such an occurrence even though she’d been hoping such didn’t happen, or perhaps it was just that she was so very attuned to the girls on her team and in her care, but she knew with certainty that it was Fabriana.
It was difficult to tell where it had come from, and Gwen’s sharp brown gaze scanned the crowd as she turned slowly in a circle, ears straining for the sound, hoping it would come again. Make it difficult for him Fabriana. Let me know where you are.
As if her willing of such seemed to reach her player, there was another scream, and though it blended with all the noise around her, pitched not much differently than the screams coming from the ride behind her, Gwen turned sharply to her left and began winding her way through the crowd toward the center of the pier where the most booths and buildings were. She hated to leave Regan alone, but she was with Rose and Gwen knew that there were Aurors watching them. They would be safe.
And the real and present danger was in front of her, not behind.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
He'd noticed the second the tension had entered Gwen's shoulders, when she'd looked up, hearing a sound that he couldn't due to his vicinity to the spinning cups and the enthusiastic patrons riding in them.
When she took her first step, he took his, eyes instantly searching for the body they'd been on not a few minutes prior. Jonathan spotted the dark-haired chaser the leggy brunette had been spending most of the day with, but did not spot Fabriana. He could see Gwen's steps quicken. He was fifty feet back at least, several seconds behind her.
The fact that Jennings had been able to move in so quickly without anyone knowing was what he'd been afraid of. Too many people pressed in together, still not enough eyes despite their planning ahead. He'd possibly cast disillusionment charms on his person, confundus charms on the girls Fabriana had been with so they didn't notice their missing friend.
Knowing it didn't matter now, he moved quicker, pushing his way through the crowd of people as he moved towards the interior part of the pier, near the buildings and the shadows they offered.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Euan hadn't heard the scream and he hadn't seen Gwen move, but he had seen Jonathan. He made a move in the same direction as the senior auror before he paused. He knew not only was Savage watching the Harpy seeker, but Hitwizard Rascaile was as well. Surely they had it covered. He would only get in the way.
Besides, his eyes flicked in the opposite direction, where Rose and her friend Regan Bole stood. MLE staff had not only been charged with taking Jennings into custody, but to protect members of the team as well. He would stay where he was until it was clear he was needed elsewhere.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Gwen moved deliberately through the crowd, eyes darting everywhere. Her hand ached to have her wand in it, but there were Muggles about, and her fingers curled into a fist to hold off the want of focused magic at her fingertips.
She could see people moving deliberately through the crowd after her in the corners of her vision, but they were unimportant. It was likely Jonathan, or another Auror, but they were following her, meaning they hadn’t heard Fabriana, just seen her own reaction to the sound.
They were dismissed, focus back towards the task of finding her girl and the damn bastard of a man who’d made both their lives hell.
It was only a yelp this time, angry words after, but Gwen’s head snapped to the right and she weaved through the crowd in the direction she’d heard her girl’s voice.
There. It was just the flash of brown hair, the end of a ponytail disappearing around a corner to the back of two carnival tents, but Gwen knew with certainty that it was Fabriana and she increased her pace to a light jog as she weaved through the people, heeled boots making a light click against the pavement as she moved.
She was very aware of her wand hidden away, but it was not a tool she could use, not here. There were too many eyes, too many Muggles. What she would do when she came upon them was still nebulous in her mind …
Until she turned the corner to see Thomas Jennings manhandling Fabriana into the darkness provided by the small alley the two tents made. They were just enough out of the way that people hadn’t noticed yet as they walked by several meters away, but Gwen’s focus narrowed to Fabriana, the angry, scared look in her eyes as she struggled.
Slowing to a long stride, Gwen called out, “Mr. Jennings, I suggest you unhand her.”
It was all that was needed. He raised his head at his name, eyes narrowing at Gwen. Fabriana struggled again, and he quickly turned back to her, shaking her violently and tossing her to the ground in the dark space between the tents before turning back to Gwen.
But it was too late.
In the few seconds he’d taken his eyes off Gwen, she’d closed the distance between them.
Except for the fact that she had to suppress her first instinct to draw her wand and fling every nasty, illegal hex she knew at the man, Gwen did not think overly about what she did next.
Joscelin had insisted she know this once upon a time, and she had practiced quite thoroughly on Bishop when she was young, but as she swung her fist at him when he turned around, the only thing running through her mind was the heated anger at this man who thought to hurt that which she considered hers, who had thought to hurt her.
Her fist connected with a satisfying crunch, and Gwen felt cartilage give way in his nose, the swing taken with the whole of her body just as she’d been taught. Someone her size would only get one shot and she’d learned to make it count.
Gwen stumbled with the follow through, but so did he.
“FUCK!”
She’d got him thoroughly then, she thought, though she ignored him for only a split second, gaze tracking to where Fabriana had been thrown. “Get out of here, Fabriana. Go!”
The tall brunette hesitated, but didn’t need to be told twice and moved quickly around Jennings who only belatedly realized that he was losing his quarry and reached, fingers finding only air.
His eyes turned to Gwen then, blazingly angry, the look made thrice as horrifying for the blood spurting from his nose and all over his face. “This is the last time, bitch.” he said, starting towards her.
Jonathan gave himself a second to make sure Fabriana passed him, knowing it was the ultimate goal of the day and that Gwen would want it done first. He verified that another Auror had wrapped an arm around her shoulder and was leading her to safety before turning back to Gwen and Jennings, just in time to see the larger man stalk towards Gwen.
Gwen, who was slightly hunched, holding her right hand in pain.
He didn't stop to think that they were in the middle of a mostly muggle carnival, that there were several hundred people who could possibly witness the use of magic. It didn't matter. Jonathan knew that he could be bested in hand to hand combat, as it had never been his strongest suit. Wand work, defensive or offensive, was always his best weapon.
"Avis," he said, dozens of birds flying out of the end of his wand seconds later. It wouldn't draw a crowd and was relatively quiet.
He watched the fowl wing their way past Gwen, flocking and flapping around Jennings head as the man began to bat his arms. Jonathan moved up until he was even with Gwen, not risking a glance to make sure she was alright.
The birds dispersed, flying innocently and inconspicuously into the air. Jennings was left with scratches adding crimson to his already bloody face. Wand trained on the man's chest, arm held straight and steady, Jonathan looked at Jennings with cold eyes. "You're surrounded, Jennings. Kneel on the ground and put your hands on your head."
Gwen felt Jonathan move by here more than saw him. For a brief moment she allowed herself to appreciate his presence, the breath it let her release, but then she pushed it away.
All her focus was on Jennings, the snarling look of hatred directed at her as he took in the Auror's commands.
Despite the pain in her hand, Gwen let it go and straightened, face impassive as she met his gaze.
She tipped her chin up just barely.
He made towards her again, but even as he moved, Jennings felt the sharp press of wood at his chest and his gaze shifted to the Auror standing before him, eyes deader than the woman who'd gotten in his way again.
His gaze flicked past the man, past the Seeker and to Fabriana being bustled away and through the crowd. Scowling as she disappeared from view, he glared at Gwen again, the look promising what he'd been after the first he'd attacked her before shifting his gaze to Jonathan, right next to her, as he lowered himself to his knees and put his hands on his head as his nose streamed blood down his face and clothes.
Gwen felt others move around them, saw them in her peripheral vision, but she kept her dark eyes steady on Jennings, forcing the throb of her hand out of her mind.
Silvery ties flowed from the end of Jonathan's wand and towards Jennings. The man's hands were none-too-gently jerked behind his body before they were secured. There was no need to report to the MLE that they had a capture arriving, as Mrs. Potts had been immediately alerted the second the binding had tightened down around Jennings' wrists. He added a vocal binding so the man could draw no more eyes to their situation, though also because the Auror had no desire what so ever to hear the words 'I'll be back' or 'you can't hold me forever' in Gwen's direction.
Jonathan could feel the man's gaze boring into the woman at his side, and a look to his left revealed the Harpies' seeker returning the attention with a defiant, tip-lipped stare. Jennings' glare was heavy and the Auror wanted nothing more than to fire a hex to wipe it off the man's face.
Knowing it would be inappropriate, but almost satisfying enough to overlook protocol, he chose to do the next best thing to make it painfully clear to the man that he had lost. Jonathan moved until he was facing Gwen, blocking not only her view of the fugitive, but his view of her. He knew the man behind him was simmering with uncontrolled rage, could practically hear his teeth grinding with hisinability to vocalize his anger.
"Abercrombie! Feel free to escort our prisoner to the holding cells. They're already alerted that you'll be arriving shortly."
Euan's gaze snapped from Jennings towards the auror's face. "Of course, Auror Savage," he murmured as he moved forward. He looked around for the portkey. Because of the wards in place to keep Jennings from apparating away, they had planned ahead to have a portkey waiting. It was sitting back at one of the game booths, an unactivated snitch as to not be conspicuous. "I'll see you back at the Ministry." Nodding to the senior auror, he took custody of the prisoner.
Nodding at the trainee, Jonathan watched Abercrombie lead Jennings in between two tents, hiding them from the view of the general public. His eyes flicked down to the small golden ball that Euan held in his hand, the portkey waiting to take Jennings to be incarcerated, this time for good. Jonathan had been unable to give one last dig at the man. The thing that made Gwen's livelihood would be the thing sending Jennings to a life behind bars. She was captain and he'd attempted to hurt one of her girls. Now, something from her game would be ending his.
Secure that Abercrombie would see the job done, he turned his full attention back to Gwen, brown gaze softening almost imperceptibly. "We have enough evidence to put him away for good this time. He won't be getting out again." He knew her hand was injured, she'd been holding it in pain, but he also knew she would want to make sure what was needed to be done was finished before she tended her herself. It was who she was, something he'd come to understand about her.
It was over.
It registered rather far away though, as did the ache in her hand. The man in front of her, focus intent on her and drawing her own, pushed everything else into the background, if only for a few moments.
She couldn’t really afford more than a few moments; Gwen wanted to be sure that Fabriana was alright, and to assure Regan’s safety as well as all the other girls she’d brought to the park. There would be meetings and paperwork to fill out, time spent at the MLE to make sure everything was in order and that bureaucracy wasn’t a reason why Jennings would find a loophole.
But just for small bit of time, she let herself meet Jonathan’s gaze and take in that it was over, that everyone was safe, that Jennings could not get Fabriana, or any of the other girls, that he could not get her again. Jonathan had been there like he’d said he would be, and Jennings was in custody.
“Thank you, Jonathan,” she murmured, the sound carrying only to him in the small space between them.
Nodding, the movement slow, his eyes never leaving hers, Jonathan knew that would be the end of whatever time she'd allow herself before the duties they had before them were over. There were statements to take, memories to bottle, a man to levy a case against. It was already weighty, but this would put the unbreakable spell on his cell door.
"We should gather your girls, get them to the Ministry. Some of them could have seen something. Some of them might have had been jinxed not to. We'll get everything figured out, let them know they don't have to look over their shoulders anymore."
Jonathan knew it wouldn't matter for Gwen. She'd always be prepared for something else to harm her girls, but he knew her well enough that knowing her girls were safe would be a relief.
Whatever bubble of time had surrounded while they processed what had happened, burst as Jonathan spoke, willing them both into the actions that needed doing. It was exactly where Gwen was heading herself, and she acknowledged his words with a quick nod of her head. “I must collect Regan and see to her safety, and she was last with Rose, but Mina and a few of the others were standing in line for the coaster last I saw them. They were entirely unaware that Fabriana was not with them, so it is highly likely they were, in fact, jinxed,” Gwen affirmed, what little expression she’d allowed into her features leaving as anger touched her that Jennings had touched anyone else on her team, especially with magic.
It did not escape her that Jonathan had included her in the administering of the next phase of his endeavors, and it brought a slew of thoughts, all pushed away except the one that was pleased he was not barring her from being part of this, but instead speaking as if it was both of theirs.
Nodding, knowing the weight on Gwen's shoulders would be there until all her girls were seen home and safe, Jonathan began moving, pausing so she could fall in step beside him. "Then let's gather everyone and see them away as swiftly as possible. No doubt your canine is needing his evening walk. We wouldn't want him to mess on those marble floors, would we?"
It was light talk, considering the events that had transpired minutes prior, but he was feeling lighter, knowing that this case would come to a crashing close. Jennings was behind bars, and Gwen's girls were safe. Another time he would think on why it was a bigger reprieve personally, knowing that the Harpy at his side would be able to sleep better, but currently he had a not inconsiderable amount of paperwork before him. Like so many other thoughts that concerned Gwen, they would be pushed aside to focus on the task at hand.
Glancing over briefly at Jonathan as they were about to move back into the crowd, Gwen's gaze flicked over his profile. He was trying to make this easier, normal. It would never be so, but the barest corner of her mouth curled despite. He was trying and despite herself, despite what had happened - despite everything - she found him endearing in that moment. "The little beast knows better than to test my patience, most especially on the marble floors."
SUMMARY: Gwen takes the Harpies to Brighton Pier to celebrate their status as League Champions. Rose and Regan discover the joys of cotton candy while Euan, Savage and a slew of other Aurors watch over them all. Their vigilance is rewarded when the stalker, Jennings, is caught.